147: Improving Quality of Life in Movement Disorders Through Nonmotor Symptom Management

Welcome to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. Tune in to hear leaders in neurology sound off on topics that impact your clinical practice.In this episode, "Improving Quality of Life in Movement Disorders Through Nonmotor Symptom Management" Alex Dessy, MD, clinical assistant professor in movement disorders at Jefferson Health, shares a comprehensive look at modern-day care strategies for patients with Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. Dessy discusses the foundational role of detailed history-taking, exam-based observation, and phenomenology in diagnosing complex conditions, along with the growing utility of genetic and imaging tools. She also explains the challenges of managing nonmotor symptoms—like sleep disturbance, fatigue, and constipation—and how lifestyle strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration are often as vital as medication. Lastly, she emphasizes the importance of clear and compassionate communication with patients and families as neurology becomes increasingly therapeutic.Looking for more Movement disorders discussion? Check out the NeurologyLive® Movement disorders clinical focus page.Episode Breakdown: 1:00 – How movement disorder diagnosis is approached through history, physical exam, and phenomenology 4:05 – What makes certain movement disorder cases complex and how diagnostics like genetics and imaging are used 6:20 – Neurology News Minute 8:45 – How nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson’s (fatigue, constipation, sleep) are managed with lifestyle strategies 12:30 – Approaching therapeutic communication and expectation-setting with patients and families The stories featured in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here: Eisai Showcases Promising 4-Year Data for Alzheimer Therapy Lecanemab at AAIC 2025 IHL-42X to Enter Phase 3 Trials for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Following Positive Phase 2 Data FDA Approves Fremanezumab as First Anti-CGRP Preventive Therapy for Pediatric Episodic Migraine Thanks for listening to the NeurologyLive® Mind Moments® podcast. To support the show, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. For more neurology news and expert-driven content, visit neurologylive.com.